StephenErnst

Where I serve

I'm currently in my fourth year with FOCUS at James Madison University in Virginia. I love the campus because it's a big school with lots of school pride - exactly what I'm used to coming from the University of Maryland!

My Story

I entered my freshman year at the University of Maryland with a solid
upbringing in the Catholic faith; I had gone to Catholic school from
kindergarten through high school at Gonzaga College High School, and I
was involved with my parish throughout that time. However, in all of
that time, I had not made the faith my own yet. I did not get too
involved with the Catholic Terps group on campus until a friend
introduced me to a FOCUS missionary at Maryland. Through his example and
the examples of other upperclassmen I met, I saw the faith and joy of
Christ radiating from them and desired that for myself. That missionary
walked with me on my faith journey, showing me how to live out the
Catholic faith I had grown up with through the sacraments, bible study,
and my moral choices. That spark grew within me through the annual FOCUS
conferences I attended as well as getting involved with discipleship
under a FOCUS student leader in which I lead a weekly bible study for
underclassmen.

Your Impact

My contact with the FOCUS missionaries on campus sparked the faith that my parents had instilled within me during me time at home and in Catholic school. At that critical time when I was just starting to make my own decisions, that contact was a gift from God; my life today would have been completely different if I had not found the faith.

It is that opportunity for growth that I want to pass on to students of James Madison University. I hope to welcome the students I meet into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, wherever they are in their faith journey, and give them the guidance that was provided to me.

This mission is becoming increasingly important in today’s world, and I need your help! Today, 90% of students lose their faith in their four years on campus. Through your prayers and financial support, you can help me to more fully serve the students on the James Madison University campus and combat this staggering statistic.All donations are 100% tax deductible! If you have any questions or prayer requests or would like to talk more about my mission, feel free to reach out!Thank you for your prayers and support!

Know, Love and Serve God

We encounter God in an intimate relationship through daily prayer, the sacraments and the Scriptures.

Build Virtuous Friendships

By building genuine friendships, we meet students on a deeper level.

Teach Others to Share Christ

We teach students how to share the gospel, who in turn teach other students how to pass it on …